THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. So the Vice President
and I were sitting around, saying, I wonder if we can get some people
to come to a barbeque here on the South Lawn. We're glad you came.
Laura and I, and Lynne and Dick are really pleased to host you all for
the annual Congressional Barbeque. We want to thank the Rich Davis
family, from Kansas City, for providing the barbeque. (Applause.) And
the White House staff, for providing the napkins. (Laughter.)

I think the best thing I can tell you is how much I appreciate the
families of the members of Congress for supporting your husbands and
wives and moms and dads as they serve our great country. (Applause.)
It is a -- the members of Congress work really hard on behalf of the
people of the country. And they're gone a lot from their homes, and I
know it's hard. It's hard to wonder whether or not the service is
worth it. I'm telling you, the service is worth it. We are a great
nation because men and women from all walks of life are willing to
serve our country. (Applause.) So we really appreciate you being
here.

I also want to thank the Marine Band, the Army Band, the Navy Band,
the Air Force Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps for providing
the entertainment tonight. (Applause.)

And our wish is that you enjoy yourself on the beautiful south lawn
of this majestic house that Laura and I are fortunate to live in.
Every day we are reminded about the greatness of our country. And we
are a great country. We're a great country because we believe in human
dignity and the rights of every person. We're a great country because
we believe that no matter who you are or where you're from, your can
succeed in America. We're a great country because free men and women
can self-govern in a peaceful way. And we're a great country because
we are blessed by the Almighty God.